Wests Tigers forward Lovett joins Leigh

Leigh Centurions have signed back-rower Kyle Lovett from Wests Tigers on a two-year deal.

The 24-year-old has a lot of experience playing in the NRL, making over 50 appearances for the Tigers.

He met up with Centurions owner Derek Beaumont and head coach Neil Jukes in Sydney this week to complete the move.

And Jukes admitted that he is a big fan of Lovett, who can play in the back-row or at centre.

He said: “Kyle is a fast, direct, strong running forward who consistently in defence notches up 40 plus tackles a game.

“His durability will also add a real competitive edge to our team in a number of other positions too.

“We will continue to monitor his preparations in Australia for the next few weeks now so he is ready to hit the ground running when he arrives at the beginning of December.”

Lovett has represented New South Wales at Under-20s level and was chosen as Wests’ NRL Rookie of the Year following the 2015 campaign.

And Beaumont thinks the City Origin star has got what it takes to help the Centurions gain promotion back to Super League at the first time of asking.

He said: “Kyle is another great addition to our squad who is young and energetic with plenty of first-grade NRL experience for his age.

“It is a further statement of our intent to build a side capable of returning to Super League and one that we can grow and develop to improve to greater things.

“I am really looking forward to seeing his strong carries in a Leigh shirt.”